Regional parks

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About
Park facilities
Park activities
Tracks
History

About Mahurangi

Mahurangi park protects three peninsulas at the mouth of the historic and picturesque Mahurangi Harbour. Mahurangi spans across the Puhoi River, north of Wenderholm, and along Te Muri Beach to Sullivans Bay and Mita Bay.

Park information

Pedestrian access: Open 24 hours
Summer gate opening hours:
6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Daylight savings)
Winter gate opening hours:
6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Non daylight savings)
Distance from CBD: 65 km
Park map: Click here to download a park map
Physical address: 190 Ngarewa Drive, Mahurangi West
Casual group size: 75
Access issues:

Mahurangi East has no road access. Access is by boat only.

Dog walking restrictions

Dog walking with restrictions
Sullivans Bay and Te Muri parkland and adjoining beaches No dogs at all times, including in vehicles.
Cudlip Point Loop Track Dogs are allowed all year and must be on a leash at all times.
Mita Bay Beach
  • Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times on beach only around to Opahi Bay.
  • Dogs can only access Mita Bay by boat, or by foot from Opahi Bay (which is outside the park).
  • Dogs are prohibited from the campground and grassed areas.
Scott Point land and beaches<
  • Dogs are prohibited between 10am and 6.30pm from Labour weekend to 1 March. At all other times dogs are allowed and must be under continuous control at all times.
  • Dogs are prohibited inside the picket fence area of the homestead at all times.
Mahurangi East land & beaches Dogs are prohibited at all times.

Click here for information about which regional parks allow restricted dog walking

How to get to Mahurangi

Mahurangi West: Drive north on State Highway 1. About 6km past Wenderholm Regional Park, turn right into Mahurangi West Road then right into Ngarewa Drive and follow to the end of the road. Scott point: Take State Highway 1 to Warkworth and follow the signs to Snells Beach. Approximately 1km past Snells Beach, turn right into Ridge Road and follow to the end of the road.

View larger map

Maps

Download park map
Auckland Council GIS viewer
Get directions with Google Maps

Park facilities

Bach
Bach Baileys Cottage Big Bay Bach Ferguson House Vine House
Camping
Camping Lagoon Bay Campground Mita Bay Campground Sullivan's Bay Campground Te Muri Beach Campground
Event site
Event site Scott Homestead
SCC campgrounds and designated parking areas
SCC campgrounds and designated parking areas Mahurangi SCC campground Mahurangi SCC parking area
Beaches
Beaches

There are 3 beaches accessible from Mahurangi West. ● Sullivan's Bay has vehicle access and is the most popular. ● Te Muri beach on the southern end of the park is accessible by foot or boat as is Mita Bay on the northern side. ● There are two main beaches at Mahurangi East. Big Bay is on the east side and Lagoon bay on the west. These are boat access only.

Boat ramp
Boat ramp

There is no boat ramp at Mahurangi. However boats up to 3 metres can be hand launched and retrieved. ● The nearest boat ramp to Sullivan’s Bay is Opahi Bay (tide dependant and only suitable for 4WD launching) which is five minutes away from the main gate. If exiting the park, go back up Ngarewa Drive and turn right down to Opahi Bay. ● There is a boat ramp at the public car park at the end of Ridge Road, next to Scotts Point.

Cellphone coverage
Cellphone coverage

Poor in general but there are patches of coverage in various locations.

Limited mobility toilet
Limited mobility toilet

There is a limited mobility cubicle at the Sullivan’s Bay Main Toilet Block with access across the sealed road and path.

Mobility access (partial)
Mobility access (partial)

Much of Mahurangi is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Music
Music

No amplified music is allowed. This includes bluetooth speakers and Amps.

Native bush
Native bush

Areas of coastal forest and regenerating bush are dotted throughout Mahurangi Regional Park. The best preserved patches of mature coastal forest can be experienced on a part of the Mita Bay Loop Track and at Cudlip and Te Muri points. Kanuka, taraire, puriri, karaka and kowhai dominate these areas. Scarlet flowering pohutukawa are spectacular at Scott Point and Mahurangi East in summer and on many parts of Mahurangi West.

Notice board
Notice board

Information boards are located throughout Mahurangi Regional Park. The main notice board is located in the middle of Sullivan’s Bay, next to the main toilet block. This notice board contains a map, visitor operations information, codes and bylaws, tide charts and park brochures. There are also notice boards located at each of the campgrounds and orientation boards located at the Te Muri Estuary and Te Muri spit walking track access.

Parking
Parking

There are 2 designated car parks; both located at Mahurangi West. ● Top car park: 25 spaces ● Sullivan’s Bay car park: 40 spaces ● There are also grass overflow parking areas of approximately 200 spaces. Accessible only if the Top and Sullivan’s Bay car parks are full and if ground conditions allow.

Picnic tables
Picnic tables

There are no designated picnic sites but feel free to find your own spot. You are welcome to bring your own gas BBQ.

Potable water
Potable water

There are 5 tap stands dotted around Sullivan’s Bay and 5 in each of Mita Bay and Te Muri Beach campgrounds. There is no public water supply or tap stands at Mahurangi East or Scott Point. All tap water at Mahurangi West is treated bore supply water and safe to drink.

Pram access
Pram access

Sullivans Bay has reasonable pram access across the grass picnic areas.

Ranger contact phone
Ranger contact phone

Located at the main information board which is in the middle of Sullivan’s Bay next to main toilet block.

Security gates
Security gates

An automatic gate is located at the end of Ngarewa Drive to the left of the gravel car park. This gate opens and closes automatically. See “about this park for details”. It will automatically open for vehicles exiting the park at all times.

Toilets
Toilets

Mahurangi West has 6 unisex vault toilet blocks ● Sullivan’s Bay: One in the centre, one at the southern end and one in the campground that is for campers use only. ● Te Muri Beach Campground: Two toilet blocks; the one in the centre is for campers use only. ● Mita Bay Campground: One toilet block. ● Mahurangi East has one unisex long drop toilet located above the Lagoon Bay Campground.

Unsealed access road
Unsealed access road

Two short sections totalling 1 km of Ngarewa Drive are unsealed.

Park activities

Bird watching
Bird watching

Natives such as kereru, tui and grey warbler are frequently sighted within park. Shining cuckoo may be sighted in the spring and early summer. There are a variety of sea birds at the beaches such as pied oyster catchers, little shag and the occasional rare visit from a blue penguin or a blue reef heron. Please be careful not to disturb the nesting dotterels and oyster catchers at Te Muri Beach.

Boating
Boating

All of the beaches are good for boating. The harbour offers shelter from most wind directions. Tide may influence conditions quite significantly especially when the wind opposes the tide. Boats of up to 3 metres in length can be hand launched and retrieved. They must be carried over the parkland from the car park as to not damage the grass.

Camping - back country
Camping - back country

Mahurangi offers 3 back country camping experiences for those who want to get away from the crowds. Te Muri and Mita Bay campsites are walk in or boat access only and are great spots for swimming, water sports, walking and exploring. Lagoon Bay campsite is boat access only. See individual campground tables for more details.

Camping - vehicle based
Camping - vehicle based

Sullivan’s Bay is an easily accessed, vehicle based campground. It is very popular, so early booking is advised! It is a great location for swimming, picnics, water sports, walking and exploring. See the individual campground table for details.

Sullivan's Bay Campground

Diving
Diving

Scuba diving sites are limited due to the shallow tidal nature of the harbour. The best sites are accessible by boat only. Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) regulations apply when fishing.

Dog walking with restrictions
Dog walking with restrictions
Sullivans Bay and Te Muri parkland and adjoining beaches No dogs at all times, including in vehicles.
Cudlip Point Loop Track Dogs are allowed all year and must be on a leash at all times.
Mita Bay Beach
  • Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times on beach only around to Opahi Bay.
  • Dogs can only access Mita Bay by boat, or by foot from Opahi Bay (which is outside the park).
  • Dogs are prohibited from the campground and grassed areas.
Scott Point land and beaches<
  • Dogs are prohibited between 10am and 6.30pm from Labour weekend to 1 March. At all other times dogs are allowed and must be under continuous control at all times.
  • Dogs are prohibited inside the picket fence area of the homestead at all times.
Mahurangi East land & beaches Dogs are prohibited at all times.
Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Click here to obatin rules and guidelines for flying UAVs and drones.  In particular pay attention to the code of conduct.

Farm animals - viewing
Farm animals - viewing

Enjoy the site of farm animals grazing peacefully at Mahurangi. The park has approximately 100 breeding ewes and may have cattle present also. Lambing attracts visitors in the springtime. You are free to wander through the paddocks containing farm animals but please follow any safety signs and respect restricted areas. Please leave gates as you find them..

Fishing
Fishing

Land based fishing enthusiasts can try for kahawai and snapper from the rocky outcrops of Mahurangi. Pudding Island can be fished over the low tide but extreme care is required from an incoming tide. Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) regulations apply.

Kayaking
Kayaking

Kayaking around Mahurangi Regional Park and the surrounding regional parks is highly recommended. Enjoy a short paddle from Sullivan’s Bay around the corner to Mita Bay or Te Muri Beach. For the more experienced kayaker, Mahurangi is a good base to explore Kawau Bay including popular destinations such as Motoroa Island. Make sure you wear bright clothing and a lifejacket. Stay away from the main channels as this is a popular boating area.

Mountain biking
Mountain biking

Mountain biking is permitted on open farmland and all tracks unless otherwise indicated. However, the area isn’t considered mountain bike friendly with most tracks crossing farm paddocks and there are many closed gates to lift your bike over.

Click here to access track information.

Orienteering
Orienteering

The orienteering course offers a fun way to explore Mahurangi. There are 20 markers spread over the park and maps are available from the notice board.

Picnics
Picnics

There are no designated picnic areas but it is easy to find a favourite spot of your own. Feel free to bring your own gas barbecue. Groups of 75 or more require a discretionary consent. Conditions apply and consent is granted on a case by case basis. Scott Homestead and grounds are available to hire for small groups and family events.

Sightseeing
Sightseeing

Enjoy stunning 180 degree views that take in the Hauraki Gulf Islands and Mahurangi Harbour. There are several great vantage points from the parks walking tracks with specified lookout positions at Tungutu and Cudlip points.

Swimming
Swimming

Mahurangi has several excellent beaches for swimming. Sullivan's Bay has vehicle access and is great for swimming in all tides. Te Muri is a long sandy beach and like the small, sheltered Mita Bay it is only accessible by boat or foot. At Mahurangi East there is Big Bay, a white sandy beach that is excellent for swimming, and Lagoon Bay, a shallow, muddy and very tidal beach that is not considered to be a good beach for swimming. Mahurangi East is only accessible by boat.

Volunteering
Volunteering

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Mahurangi Regional Park. Volunteer task may include (but are not limited to) tree planting, track maintenance, mulching and pest management.

Enjoy a free and extended stay as a camp host! We are always looking for camp host for our three Mahurangi East campgrounds. Please contact the northern regional parks office for details.

Walks (1 hour or more)
Walks (1 hour or more)

A great way to explore the sights and sounds of Mahurangi is via its network of walking tracks that offer stunning ocean views or allow you to get up close to nature within native forest and bush land. Take the Cudlip Point Loop Track to the estuary for a chance to see shorebirds such as heron and oyster catcher. Click on the links below for track information:

Walks (less than 1 hour)
Walks (less than 1 hour)

Mahurangi has many pleasant options for unmarked short walks around the parks bays and pasture. At low tide, take a walk across the rocks out to Pudding Island.

Click here to access track information.

Wedding or civil union
Wedding or civil union

The Scott Homestead and grounds are available for weddings and civil unions. A permit must be obtained prior to commencement. Some locations are very popular over the summer months and early booking is recommended. Please contact parks on 09 366 2000 to discuss your requirements.

Please note that Mahurangi Regional Park is not a "wedding venue site". It is an outdoor venue for appropriate outdoor events. A wedding event is just one of many different outdoor events that may take place at Mahurangi Regional Park. Normal booking rules apply.

Tracks

Cudlip Point Loop Track Cudlip Point Loop Track 2 hour - 3 km Starting from the notice board or the top car park, this track takes you through the open pastures of Cudlip Point then down to the Te Muri estuary and back. Shorebirds are often spotted around the estuary. Click on the track name for further details.
Mahrangi East Walks Mahrangi East Walks Set away from it all is Mahurangi East (boat access only) where you can wander along old farm tracks at your leisure. These are unmarked and customers are asked to respect private property boundaries.
Mita Bay Loop Track Mita Bay Loop Track 2 hour - 2 km Start at Sullivan’s Bay and take the steep track up to Tungutu Point for great views of the Hauraki Gulf before continuing to Mita Bay. Returns via native bush and then back along the road to Sullivan’s Bay. Click on the track name for further details.
Te Muri Track Te Muri Track 3 hour - 3 km Starting at the top car park, the Te Muri track takes you down to Te Muri beach via a farm track. Taking you away from the crowds, this track allows you to wander through pasture and explore the historic cemetery and secluded Te Muri beach.

History

Māori lived here in large communities. The park was the ancestral domain of Ngäti Rongo and there are four fortified pa sites at Opahi, Cudlip and Te Muri Points and above Sullivan’s Bay.

A sea captain, John Sullivan, married Merehai Kaipuke and settled at Otarawao (Sullivan’s Bay) in the 1870s. Their descendents farmed the land for nearly a century and farming continues on the park today.

More than 100 Māori and European settlers are buried in the Te Muri urupā (cemetery) on the park. The urupā was established in the 1860s alongside two sacred (tapu) pōhutukawa trees.

Scott Homestead, at Scott Point, is a reminder of the Mahurangi Harbour’s busy past as a hub of timber milling, ship building, firewood cutting and trade. Thomas Scott Jr built the Georgian style house in 1877 on the site where his father,a shipbuilder, ran an inn until it was destroyed by fire. Volunteers have lovingly restored the house and its surrounds.

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